Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad Recipe That You’ll Love! Recipe
This Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad is a vibrant, protein-packed dish featuring crisp vegetables and a tangy, creamy tahini dressing with a hint of spice. Perfect as a light meal or a refreshing side, it’s easy to make with pantry staples and fresh ingredients for a nutritious and satisfying experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Garnishes
- 1 tbsp chopped peanuts
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Drain and Rinse Chickpeas: Start by draining and rinsing the chickpeas in a colander. Allow them to drain thoroughly while you prepare the other ingredients to ensure no excess water makes the salad soggy.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, shredded carrots, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red cabbage, and chopped green onions. Gently stir to mix everything evenly without mashing the chickpeas.
- Prepare Dressing: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the tahini, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and minced garlic until smooth. This dressing balances creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, toss gently to make sure all the ingredients are well coated with the flavorful dressing, enhancing every bite.
- Prepare Garnishes: Chop the peanuts and fresh cilantro. Measure out the sesame seeds to garnish the salad, adding extra texture and aroma.
- Serve the Salad: Transfer the dressed salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle the chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds evenly over the top. Serve immediately as a crisp and refreshing meal or side dish.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving for a melded flavor experience.
- If you prefer a nuttier dressing, toast the sesame seeds lightly before garnishing.
- This salad stores well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed fresh to maintain crunchiness.
Keywords: Crunchy Thai Chickpea Salad, Thai Salad, Chickpea Salad, Healthy Salad, Tahini Dressing, Vegetarian Salad
